8 - 10 Jan 2016
I was invited to a good friend's wedding in Sibu and immediately said yes to the invitation! After all, it would be my first time in Sibu. Partner In Crime and another good friend would also be joining. So, the more, the merrier! :) Hong's wedding would be at Kingwood Hotel by the mighty Rajang river, and he graciously booked rooms and even car rental for our stay in Sibu! Such a gem of a friend.
Our hotel Kingwood is probably the biggest hotel in Sibu, located by the mighty Rajang river. The hotel is OK, serving its purpose. We were booked at the deluxe room with room rate of RM170 per night nett with breakfast. Not bad ;)
 |
| our room |
 |
| Rajang river at sunset |
Sibu is predominantly inhabited by the Chinese, so it was a bit of challenge finding halal food, but we managed to find some by asking our friend Hong and google of course! We tried the local specialty - Mee Kampua at a Malay restaurant - although nice, but it tasted just like the Sarawak specialty - mee kolok. Perhaps the authentic mee kampua could only be found at the Chinese restaurants - which contain some non-halal ingredients. All were not lost though, as Mas, out troop member found this really yummy gula apong ice cream. Not too sweet, it's just right for me.
 |
| mee kampua |
 |
| ais kirm gula apong |
Sibu is famous for its legend of the swan. There's a statue of a swan by the Rajang river near to the ferry terminal, a walking distance from the hotel. According to legend, a swan have been fed by the people of Sibu although they themselves were starving. The grateful bird showed the folks how to extract edible starch from wild sago and hence ending the famine.
 |
| swan statue near the ferry terminal |
 |
| ferries to nearby cities |
We also went to the Sibu central market - according to wikitravel - is the biggest indoor market in Malaysia. It sells poultry, vegetable, fruits at the ground level; and clothes and food at the upper level. The food court is a mix of halal and non halal stalls - a common sight in Sibu, and Sarawak generally. I was fascinated by the live chicken they were selling- the birds are wrapped in newspapers and are sold by weight.
 |
| Sibu central market |
 |
| inside the market |
 |
| live chicken |
Not too far from the market is the Sibu Heritage Centre. There's a museum on the upper floor which have displays on the history of Sibu and items donated by collectors. The entrance to the museum is free. On the ground floor of the centre is a shop selling souvenirs and handicrafts.
 |
| Sibu heriate centre |
In the evening we went to the Sibu Night Market to get something to munch on before going out for dinner at Sungai Merah.
 |
| Sibu night market |
 |
| Sibu night market |
As for the wedding, it was an auspicious event, attended by both sides of the family. Again, Hong and family went all out to ensure we could enjoy the wedding feast (a 6 course meal) and put us at the non-alcohol table. Such is their level of hospitality to ensure we were comfortable. We were very touched by their kind gestures and can't thank them enough.
 |
| the lovely couple |
 |
| yaaaaam seeeeeng |
Labels: friends, Roadtrip, Weddings
